Which is Better: Concrete Block Or Wood-Framed Homes

Q: My parents are retiring and moving south to build their retirement home.  Do you think concrete block or wood-framed houses are better? Tabitha, Sayreville, NJ

A: There are pros and cons to both concrete block and wood-framed homes.  

Concrete block homes tend to be more durable and resistant to natural disasters than wood-framed homes.  Concrete block homes are also less susceptible to mold and wood-destroying insects like termites than wood-framed homes.  The durability of concrete block homes means that they typically require less maintenance than wood-framed homes.  Lastly, concrete block homes tend to have cheaper insurance costs than wood-framed homes because insurance claims normally are higher with wood-framed homes.

On the other hand, wood-framed homes often have better insulation than standalone concrete block homes and concrete block homes are usually more expensive to build than wood-framed houses.  Thanks for your question, Tabitha. 

For more real estate tips and information visit my blog at geraldlucas.com.